Relief Distribution

As many of you know Malawi was hit with Cyclone Freddy earlier this year. After torrential rains poured down from the 11th – 13th of March here in southern Malawi, the government declared a state of emergency in 14 districts. On the 15th of March, the Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera declared 14 days of mourning since over 600 people died and many more were either missing, injured and displaced.

As a result of this cyclone, people were not able to harvest as much maize as usual. Due to this, there are relief efforts ongoing in certain areas. One of the areas Stephanos is involved in is a place called Namitalala. Twice now, I have been privileged to go with them to aid in the distribution.

The night before the scheduled distribution date, the truck with supplies parks at Stephanos Foundation overnight. This is done so that he can start out in good time the following morning since the road that leads to Namitalala is – what shall I say – difficult to pass? It takes a lot of time, since speed is not an option. Since the cyclone, this road has not been repaired. Even reaching Namitalala by car is exhausting. I prefer motorcycle. You can imagine what it must be like for a big truck.

Anyway, the truck leaves in good time taking along security guards and a field worker. In the meantime, people gather at the designated meeting spot. Once everyone has arrived, the official proceedings start. Prayer is offered, and the speeches begin. Also, someone from Stephanos gives a short meditation from the Word of God, before the actual distribution starts. People are called one by one, to give their fingerprint as evidence they have taken their items. Then they pass through the line, receiving each of the items being distributed that day. On this particular day, they were each receiving maize flour, a bottle of cooking oil, soya pieces, water guard and soap. From there, they are free to go home.

Distribution days mean hours of standing in bright sunlight, hence the ‘doek’ on my head to prevent my head from being sunburned. Traditionally, women also wear chitenjes here (the cloth that is wrapped around their/my waist). I have to admit, once I’ve worn it in a bit, I rather like wearing them. Before they are worn in, the cloth is stiff and slippery. As you can imagine, it doesn’t stay on very well. Chitenjes are useful for just about everything. Women use them to carry babies on their backs, to wrap garden produce together to carry on their heads, to carry distribution items around their waist, to protect their skirts from getting dirty, to wipe the noses of their children, to keep warm by using it as a blanket or wrap, etc, etc.

Distribution days end with a slow ride home, refueling with snacks, water and pop and a good scrub in the shower.